Liverpool morning news, Fowler on club's start, fresh Neto links

Former Liverpool striker Robbie Fowler has said people have been getting carried away with their criticism of Liverpool at the start of this season.

The Reds are currently in the bottom half of the Premier League table after 11 games but remain in touch with the top four, their Champions League hopes are in the balance and the side is in the quarter finals of the League Cup.

Fowler told the Liverpool Echo: “I think people are getting a little carried away with Liverpool this year. I don’t think we are as bad as what everyone is making us out to be.

“You look at the Premier League, and Chelsea are perhaps the only standout team."

More links between Liverpool and Fiorentina goalkeeper Neto emerged last night with the Daily Mail suggesting the 25-year-old Brazilian features towards the top Brendan Rodgers' wish list.

It's no secret that Rodgers wants to have more competition for current number one Simon Mignolet, and Neto's contract runs out at the end of the season - with the Reds rumoured to prefer a free transfer in the summer, but there is the possibility they will talk to Neto in January according to the report.

Finally, ex-Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia said he was tempted to stay on at Liverpool until 2011.

He gave an interview to the official club website which was picked up on by the Mail who said his knack of scoring at the quarter-final stage of the Champions League almost convinced him to stay at Anfield instead of moving to Bayer Leverkusen.

Ian Bolland

A journalism graduate of Liverpool John Moores University. During his time at university, Ian spent time on work experience at local newspapers in Liverpool, Bolton and Wigan, and prior to that he did work for The Observer's 'fans verdict'. Ian also has interests in news, current affairs and business but mostly sport, including football, rugby league, cricket, golf and Formula 1, amongst others.